Football: England World Cup winner Ball dies aged 61 | UK news | The Guardian England World Cup winner Ball dies aged 61 Midfielder was key part of Sir Alf Ramsey's 'wingless wonders' team Alan Ball walks out for the 1966 World Cup final, between England and West Germany. Photograph: Gerry Cranham/Offside Staff and agencies Share on Messenger Close World Cup-winner Alan Ball has died at the age of 61 after suffering a suspected heart attack while battling to put out a fire in his garden. Ball - the youngest member of the England side that lifted the Jules Rimet trophy after beating West Germany 4-2 at Wembley - was found unconscious by firefighters and police officers outside his home at 12.15am this morning and later confirmed dead. A Hampshire police spokesman said Ball had been trying to tackle a bonfire that had got out of control when he collapsed and died. He added that there were no suspicious circumstances surrounding the death. Ball had spent the evening watching Manchester United's Champions League semi-final first leg against AC Milan. "I was talking to him just after the football and he was in great form," his son, Jimmy, said.

"We were talking about [Paul] Scholes's pass [for United's second goal]. And then I got a phone call in the middle of the night. It's unbelievable and very, very sad. From what we can gather, our father was at his compost heap which caught alight. Whilst trying to fight the fire, he suffered a fatal heart attack. We would just like to say to all the people who phoned us and all the well-wishers we have seen on television and on radio, it's overwhelming for just such a humble man who was just our dad. " The midfielder won 72 caps for his country in a 10-year England career, and was a key member of manager Sir Alf Ramsey's "wingless wonders" team. A star for both Everton and Arsenal, he was awarded an MBE for his services to football in 2000. Sir Geoff Hurst, who scored a hat-trick in the final, said the 1966 squad members were "devastated" by Ball's death. "He was man of the match in the World Cup final," he said.

"Socially, he was always a good laugh, and the 1966 team mixed a lot after then. We are all totally devastated." Sir Bobby Charlton said he was "shocked and saddened" by the death of Ball, and believed he was man of the match in the final. "He was probably the best player that day and if it had not been for his impact the result could have been totally different. He did not appear to have a nerve in his body, and he was an inspiration to us all." Sir Bobby's brother Jack, a central defender in the 1966 team, said he would "miss Alan more than anyone". "Every time I met him and spent time with him, he was taking the mickey out of me, he was having a go at me," he told BBC Radio 4's Today programme. It was something we had going since 1966. I am going to miss Alan more than anybody because we had a tremendous relationship." He joked that the diminutive Ball would "stand on the chair" when he made after-dinner speeches, adding: "I've got so many good memories of Alan Ball - he was a tremendous player.

He was a lovely lad." Another former England colleague, Alan Mullery, described Ball's death as "shocking news". "He was such a bouncy, lively, young 61-year-old. He was the life and soul of everything," he told Sky News. "I played with him [in the 1970 World Cup] in Mexico. He was a loveable character ... he had a heart of gold. He lived football, and he loved playing for his country. It is such a shock." Tony Blair's official spokesman said the prime minister was "saddened by Alan Ball's death, and hugely admired him". And a Clarence House spokeswoman said Prince William's "thoughts and prayers are with Alan's family and his former team-mates and many friends throughout football." The Football Association has confirmed England's players will wear black armbands as a mark of respect to Ball during their first game at the new Wembley against Brazil on June 1. Players in Saturday's England Under-16 friendly against Spain will also wear black armbands and observe a minute's silence. Ball is the second member of the World Cup-winning side to die. Captain Bobby Moore died of cancer in 1993.

After his playing career had ended, Ball moved into management, with the clubs he took charge of including Portsmouth, Southampton and Manchester City. Alan Ball, England 1966 World Cup winner, dies aged 61 Alan Ball, England 1966 World Cup winner, dies aged 61 Alan Ball, England 1966 World Cup winner, dies aged 61 Blackleaf #1Apr 25th, 2007 Alan Ball, the youngest members of England's 1966 World Cup winning team, has died aged 61. He died this morning after trying to put out a bonfire. He was probably the best player on the field in that game, even though Geoff Hurst scored a hat-trick, still the only player in the world ever to score a hat-trick in a World Cup Final.... World Cup winner Alan Ball dies while trying to put out a bonfire 25th April 2007 England lift the World Cup in 1966, after beating West Germany in the Final. Alan Ball can be seen on the left of the picture with his arm raised.

He is the second member of England's 1966 World Cup winning team to pass away. Captain Bobby Moore, who is holding the trophy aloft, died in 1993. World Cup winner Alan Ball died trying to put out a bonfire which got out of control in his back garden. The 61-year-old - hailed by teammates as man of the match in the 1966 World Cup final - collapsed after suffering a suspected heart attack as he threw a bucket of water over the flames. Neighbours rang 999 when they saw the fire had spread to a compost heap and got out of control, and firefighters found the former footballer lying in the garden. Paramedics tried to resuscitate Mr Ball but he was pronounced dead at the scene early today. Alan challenges for the ball in the 1966 Final against West Germany, which England won 4-2. It is believed the former Arsenal, Everton and Southampton midfielder lit the compost heap bonfire last night and then became engrossed in the Manchester United Champions League game on TV at home in Warsash, near Southampton. His son Jimmy said: "I was talking to him last night just after the football and he was in great form.

Then I got a phone call in the middle of the night. It's unbelievable and very, very sad." Mr Ball revealed that among his father's last words to him were about a superb Paul Scholes pass during last night's Champions' League match between Manchester Utd and AC Milan which Manchester United won 3-2. A minute's silence will be held at Chelsea's Champions League match against Liverpool tonight in honour of the former England World Cup star. Ball, who was awarded an MBE in 2000 for his services to football, lived alone after his wife Lesley, 57, died from ovarian cancer three years ago. Ball was due to play golf today in aid of the Wessex Heart Foundation. His 1966 team-mate Geoff Hurst said: "I'm shocked and devastated. Alan was the youngest of the 1966 team and his wife was the youngest of the wives. Tearful: Alan Ball's children Mandy, Jimmy and Keely announce his death this morning "Ask any of the players who was their man of the match when we won the World Cup and they would all say Bally." Ball is the second of the 1966 team to die.

Captain Bobby Moore died of cancer in 1993. Sir Tom Finney spoke of his shock and sadness at the death of a fellow football legend. Sir Tom, capped 76 times for England, said: "I am totally shocked, it is just unbelievable. He always seemed in the best of health and full of energy. And 61 is no age to die." Sir Tom said Ball was a major reason England won the World Cup in 1966. He said: "He was a very, very good player. He was very similar in style to a Lampard or a Gerrard. He gave everything he had in a game and he was one of the main movers and influences in that 1966 team." Ball had spent the early part of yesterday evening at his local, The Jolly Farmer, in Fleet End Road. After spendin nearly two hours there he left just after 7pm to watch the football at home. Landlady Cilla O'Grady said: "We are all absolutely shocked. "He will be so missed.

He was a lovely person who was always happy to sign autographs or pose for pictures if people in the pub asked." Speaking from Ball's large detached home today a family friend said: "Alan was burning some rubbish in a proper brazier in the afternoon. It looks like it started up again in the night and he was going out to put it out and we think he keeled over in the garden." Emergency services dashed to the scene after a 999 call was made following reports of a man in his sixties lying in the garden of the property. A spokesman for Hampshire police said: "Police can confirm that the body of a man has been found in garden of a house in Hook Lane, Warsash, following a fire at the property. Devoted couple: Alan Ball and his wife Lesley "Officers were called to the scene at just before 12.15am after the body of the man, who was believed to be in his sixties, was found outside the house. "Hampshire Fire and Rescue were already there dealing with the fire.

Officers from CID have attended the scene and at this stage the death is not being treated as suspicious." A spokesman for South Central Ambulance Service Hampshire Division said: "We had an emergency call at 12.08am. There was a man found deceased, we did not convey anyone to hospital." A distinctive figure in the game, thanks to his small stature, high pitched voice and red hair, Ball went on to manage several clubs including Manchester City, Southampton and Portsmouth with varied success. Alan Ball (centre) leans over Jackie Charlton's shoulder to take a look at the World Cup trophy at Wembley in 1966 However, he retired at the age of 54 after his second spell at Portsmouth and suffered several tragedies in his life - his daughter Mandy was diagnosed with cancer in the same year as his wife. He said after the death of his wife: "But I won't marry again, because for Lesley, and for me, our marriage was forever." In 2004, Ball controversially sold his World Cup winners medal for ï¿½140,000 and gave the money to his three children, having discussed the matter with his wife.

Friend and former manager Lawrie McMenemy told BBC Breakfast that he should have been playing golf with Ball for a heart appeal this morning. He said of Ball: "He had an enthusiasm for life, not just for football but for life in general." He said Ball was " much loved and respected" and described the World Cup team as a "tight-knit family". dailymail.co.uk BBC SPORT | Football | World Cup winner Ball dies at 61 World Cup winner Ball dies at 61 Ball was awarded the MBE World Cup winner Alan Ball has died of a heart attack at the age of 61. Ball was the youngest member of the England side that won the World Cup in 1966 and went on to win 72 caps. The industrious midfielder started his career at Blackpool and went on to play for Everton, Arsenal and Southampton before a spell in the United States. Ball, who collapsed outside his home after tackling a bonfire, also managed seven clubs, including Portsmouth, Southampton and Manchester City. Hampshire police confirmed on Thursday that a post mortem examination found that Ball died as a result of natural causes. His funeral will take place on Thursday 3 May at Winchester Cathedral.

Ball, who was awarded an MBE in 2000, is the second member of the side that beat West Germany 4-2 at Wembley to die. Captain Bobby Moore died of cancer in 1993. 606: COMMENT Your tributes to Alan Ball Ball's son Jimmy said: "I was talking to him last night just after the football and he was in great form. We were talking about (Paul) Scholes' pass. "And then I got a phone call in the middle of the night. It's unbelievable and very, very sad. "I would like him to be known as a nice man with a passion for football. He had a big heart and was very generous." Mr Ball said his father missed his mother Lesley terribly after she died from cancer three years ago and added: "I hope they are together now." The couple were married for over 36 years. The Football Association has announced that England's players will wear black armbands as a mark of respect to Ball during their first game at the new Wembley against Brazil on 1 June. Sir Geoff Hurst, who scored a hat-trick in the 1966 final, led the tributes to Ball.

He said: "He was the youngest member of the team and man of the match in the 1966 World Cup final. "Socially he was always a good laugh and the 1966 team mixed a lot after then." He added: "We are all totally devastated." Lawrie McMenemy, who twice signed him for Southampton, told the BBC: "He was my guest at St Mary's on Saturday and I should have been playing golf with him this morning. ALAN BALL FACTFILE Born: Farnworth, Lancashire 12/05/1945 Playing career: Played for Blackpool, Everton, Arsenal, Southampton, Philadelphia Fury, Vancouver Whitecaps (player manager), Blackpool (player manager), Southampton, Eastern (Hong Kong), Bristol Rovers Made 975 appearances in a 21-year career Managerial career: Portsmouth, Colchester, Stoke, Exeter, Southampton, Manchester City, Portsmouth Honours: World Cup (1966), league title (1970) "We were very, very good friends. "I was very fortunate to manage him. I wanted him badly not just for his ability but for his enthusiasm.

Once his feet touched the grass he was like a performer on the stage. "In his early career he was a runner, a scrapper, a fighter, a workmanlike player. At the end of his career he became the best one-touch footballer in the game. "Alan started life as a road sweeper and ended up as the best lead violinist Southampton ever had. "They were a tight-knit family that World Cup team but he has gone to join Bobby Moore now. "He was about to move up to his close pal Mick Channon and start a new part of his life that he was very excited about. "He had an enthusiasm for life, not just football, and it spread. He was a lovely fella." Sir Bobby Charlton , his midfield partner in 1966, said: "He was probably the best player that day and if it had not been for his impact the result could have been totally different. It is very sad news which has hit everyone hard. He was a terrific character who was always bubbly and jolly and a football man through and through. Leon Crouch, acting chairman of Southampton "He did not appear to have a nerve in his body, and he was an inspiration to us all.

"Alan was always bright and bubbly in everything he did as a player. He went about his work with great enthusiasm and gusto and he always had a smile on his face. "He was a sensational little player with great touch and great vision. He had great close control and although he wasn't a fast player he didn't need to be. He could see things clearly and always made the right decisions. "He was the youngest member of our squad and we were all looking forward to our latest reunion in two weeks. I am very sad and shocked by the news. Alan will be badly missed." England team-mate Alan Mullery said: "I just can't believe it. His nickname was 'Bouncy', he was just such a bouncy, lively 61-year-old. "It's such a shock. He was a loveable character, heart of gold and lived football. He just loved playing for his country. "He was a wonderful footballer to have in your side, he was so enthusiastic. He had a marvellous engine for a midfield player and had wonderful skill. "In the World Cup final he was 5ft 10in when he started but he did so much running that day he was 5ft 5in at the end.

"When everyone else was tiring there was Bally running round the pitch." Ball was only 21 when England won the World Cup England team-mate Jack Charlton added: "Alan was a brave little fella. Everybody loved Alan; he was a lovely little lad. "Every time I met him and spent time with him he was taking the mickey out of me, he was having a go at me. It was something we had going since 1966. "I used to get annoyed with him and grab him by the shirt but it was only fun and we both knew it and I am going to miss Alan more than anybody because we had a tremendous relationship. "I'm laughing now because I am thinking of Alan. I am not happy and I don't know why I'm laughing. It's just thinking of him.

I've got so many good memories of Alan Ball." Kevin Keegan, who played with him at Southampton, said: "He was a great player but I think as a person he was even greater "I played with him when he was 38, I'd already been European Footballer of the Year twice but he could teach me things that I never even thought about." Former Arsenal goalkeeper Bob Wilson, who played alongside Ball at Highbury in the 1970s, said: "Everyone can visualise him with his red hair and squeaky voice which is still there and will always be there. "He was such an infectious character, an extraordinary character - his love for the game was amazing. He would argue all the time, love to talk about the game - just an amazing character." Former Blackpool and England team-mate Jimmy Armfield said: "It is devastating news. "He had energy, ambition, drive and passion - and if he was not passionate about something, he didn't do it." Howard Kendall, who combined with Ball and Colin Harvey to form the 'holy trinity' at Everton, said: "We arrived at Everton in the same season and hit it off immediately.

"He was such a bubbly character, it was really Alan who made the partnership with me and Colin work as well as it did. "This is a terrible loss for the club and for football. I'm devastated by the news, I have lost a friend and team-mate." Ball was part of Everton's 1970 league championship-winning side and also appeared in the 1970 World Cup finals in Mexico. In 1973, he became only the second England player to be sent off in a full international when he was dismissed in a vital World Cup qualifier in Poland. He missed the return game at Wembley as a result, a match that famously saw England fail to reach the 1974 finals and resulted in Ramsey's dismissal. Ball went on to briefly captain his country but his international career was ended abruptly in 1975 when Ball was only 30. In May 2005, Ball put his World Cup winners' medal and commemorative tournament cap up for auction to raise money for his family. They were sold for ï¿½140,000. He is survived by his son, Jimmy, and two daughters, Mandy and Keeley.

Alan Ball the England hero buried under flag of St George | Daily Mail Online Alan Ball the England hero buried under flag of St George Last updated at 09:24 04 May 2007 Legends from five decades of football were among those celebrating the life of England World Cup hero Alan Ball on Thursday. The 61-year-old member of the victorious 1966 squad died last week at his Hampshire home. He suffered a fatal heart attack while putting out a small fire which had broken out in a compost heap in his garden. Scroll down for more Members of the victorious 1966 squad joined hundreds of well-wishers at Winchester Cathedral for his funeral. They included centre half Jack Charlton, midfielder Nobby Stiles, goalkeeper Gordon Banks, full-back George Cohen and striker Roger Hunt. Ball's coffin was led into the hushed cathedral draped in the St George's Cross England flag and with his trademark grey flat cap on top. Scroll down for more Other stars of UK football included England coach Steve McClaren, Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson and Arsenal prodigy Theo Walcott.

Ball was the youngest member of the 1966 World Cup squad and Arsenal striker Walcott was the youngest member of the England 2006 World Cup squad when he got the call aged 17. Stiles was the first to pay tribute in the cathedral to his friend and former team-mate. Scroll down for more He said: "My most abiding memory of Alan is in the World Cup final. I think all the lads agree he was the best player on the pitch by far. "He covered every blade of grass, he was unbelievable." Leading the mourners was Ball's son Jimmy, 31, and daughters Mandy Byrne, 39, and Keely Allan, 35. Ball's wife Lesley died three years ago from cancer. Scroll down for more Among the early arrivals were former co-players with Ball at Manchester City, Francis Lee and Mike Summerbee. Ball's best friend Mick Channon, with whom he played at Southampton, was also present. Lawrie McMenemy, who signed Ball for Southampton, and Denis Law, the former Manchester United striker, were among the mourners.

Stiles added: "He adored Lesley, he was very proud of his family and he was very proud of his country." Scroll down for more The Reverend Canon Michael St John-Channell said in an address to the congregation that Ball would never be forgotten because of the famous victory over West Germany. He said: "It was without exaggeration one of the finest days of this nation which all of us are proud, whether we were there or not, and Alan was very much of that great time. He will never ever be forgotten." He said that Ball was a great role model to people today. "It is a very different time to those days and to those people who have huge wealth and popularity in sports and other areas of life I would say that some of them would do well to learn from Alan's example of how to treat people and what is important in life and what is not important; family and friends come first.

"He tucked into his life many things we only dream of and the memories we have are precious, especially to those who have shared his life." He added, recalling the commentary of the World Cup match: "Remember those famous words 'they think it's all over, it is now' but it is not for Alan, for him today is a new beginning." Frank McLintock, former Arsenal captain, said in a tribute to Ball: "Dying is no big deal, even the least of us can manage it, living is the trick and I think Bally managed to do that." And fighting back tears McLintock added: "Alan lived his life to the full and I would just like to say thanks for the memories and thanks for his contribution to our lives." Ball's son, Jimmy, was applauded as he went to make his tribute and tapped his father's coffin. He recited Kipling's famous poem "If" and said that it typified his father's spirit.

After the final line of the poem which reads "and you'll be a man, my son", Mr Ball said: "And he was a man, probably the best I ever met." Mr Ball thanked the general public for their messages of support and added: "I know I speak for my sisters when I say we have been very fortunate to have a mother and a father as great as ours." Mr Ball closed the service by asking everyone in the cathedral to sing along to "My Way" by Frank Sinatra. As the coffin was carried down the aisle the congregation broke out in applause, whistles, cheers and chants of "Alan Ball, Alan Ball" Flat cap farewell to a World Cup hero | UK news | The Guardian Flat cap farewell to a World Cup hero Alan Ball's fans turned out in tribute to man of the people Share on Messenger Close It started as a gentle ripple, nothing to compare with the thunderous minutes of hand-clapping at football grounds up and down the country at the weekend. But as Alan Ball's coffin, draped with the flag of St George, was lifted from the hearse and borne through the main door of Winchester Cathedral, the applause grew louder. The informality was appropriate.

Ball's family had asked that no one should wear a black tie, but many of the congregation were dressed as if for a match, wearing replica football tops and scarves. Trevor Ryves, from Southampton, had got up at 6.30am to secure a place at the head of the queue and guarantee a seat for the funeral of Ball, who died last week from a heart attack, aged 61. "I've watched Southampton all my life and he was the best player we ever had. He was the best player I have ever seen - I just wanted to pay tribute to him." Ball was capped 72 times for his country and was the youngest member of England's 1966 World Cup winning team. His popularity had so alarmed Hampshire police that they warned fans not to bring their cars into Winchester amid fears that the ancient city would be gridlocked by 10,000 mourners. Instead, in glorious sunshine, it was all much more low-key; about 2,000 people inside the cathedral and perhaps another 500 listening on loudspeakers outside, gathered to celebrate Ball's life and to indulge in some celebrity spotting.

Many of the 1966 team were present: Geoff Hurst, Gordon Banks, the Charlton brothers, Jack and Sir Bobby, Nobby Stiles, Roger Hunt, George Cohen and Ray Wilson. Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson, Denis Law, Lawrie McMenemy, Frank McLintock and the youngest member of England's unsuccessful 2006 World Cup squad, Theo Walcott, were there too. Walcott said of Ball: "He was the youngest player in the World Cup. That shows how good he was." Among those queueing to secure a ticket for the service was Alan McKane, a businessman from Watford. "He was my hero. I had the white boots, the ginger hair and I played in midfield just like him. I met him about 18 months ago and he was the loveliest man in the world." Bev Hallwood, from Eastleigh, said: "He was a people person, he would mix with the general public.

Players today do not mix with the common man - they just do not compare." Ball's down-to-earth quality had brought his fans to the cathedral and the contrast with the pampered superstars of the Premiership was a theme taken up by the Reverend Canon Michael St John-Channell, who said victory on a magic day 41 years ago was "without exaggeration one of the finest days" in the nation's history. "It is a very different world today. Those people who have huge wealth, fame and property, in sport and other fields of life, some of them would do well to learn from Alan's example of how to treat people and what is important in life and what is not important. Family and friends come first." Memories of 1966 were never far away. Stiles, Ball's roommate during the World Cup, said in his tribute that he was "the best player on the pitch by far ... he covered every blade of grass". And Canon St John-Channell could not resist using Kenneth Wolstenholme's commentary line: "Remember those famous words: 'they think it is all over, it is now.' Not for Alan.

For him it is a new beginning." Jimmy Ball, 31, the footballer's son who was also speaking on behalf of his sisters, Mandy Byrne, 39, and Keely Allan, 35, said his father would have found the ceremony unbelievable. He added that the midfielder loved a sing-song - the football anthem Abide with Me had already been sung with gusto - and he invited the congregation to join in a version of My Way. Then his father's coffin, now bearing the familiar flat cap that Ball liked to wear, was carried back out into the sunshine to more applause from fans outside holding aloft football scarves and replica shirts. Farewell to a soccer hero (From The Bolton News) Farewell to a soccer hero Show caption / Staff Reporter THE youngest member of England's 1966 World Cup winning team was laid to rest yesterday to cheers and chants of "Alan Ball, Alan Ball". Memories of the diminutive player's tireless performance during the historic final were shared during the service at Winchester Cathedral.

Fellow members of the 1966 squad joined more than 1,000 who gathered to pay tribute to the Farnworth-born footballer who dedicated his life to the game. Among them were brothers Jack and Bobby Charlton, Nobby Stiles, Gordon Banks, George Cohen, Roger Hunt and hat-trick hero Geoff Hurst. Ball's coffin held centre stage in the hushed cathedral, draped in the St George's Cross England flag and with his trademark chequered grey flat cap on top. Alan Ball died, aged 61, last week from a heart attack while fighting a fire in the garden of his Hampshire home. Yesterday the mourners were led by his son Jimmy, aged 31, and daughters Mandy, aged 39, and Keely, aged 35. His wife, Lesley, died three years ago from cancer. The family wanted yesterday's service to be a celebration of Ball's life - and requested no black ties. Inside the cathedral, Nobby Stiles, the England midfielder who was Alan's international room-mate, gave the first address. He told the congregation: "He adored Lesley.

He was very proud and loved his family - more than all he was very proud of his country." He added: "My most abiding memory of Alan is in the World Cup final. I think all the lads agree he was the best player on the pitch by far. "He covered every blade of grass. He was unbelieveable." During the service, "Somewhere Over The Rainbow" was sung, along with Wembley anthem, "Abide With Me". The Rev Canon Michael St John-Channell said Ball would never be forgotten because of the famous World Cup final victory over West Germany. He said: "Remember those famous words They think it's all over, it is now', but not for Alan. For him, today is a new beginning." The words, which have gone down in footballing history, were uttered by soccer commentator Kenneth Wolstenholme, also born in Farnworth, when Geoff Hurst scored in extra time as some fans ran on the pitch during the 4-2 victory over West Germany. Fighting back tears, former Arsenal captain Frank McLintock paid tribute to Ball, who joined him at Arsenal in the early 1970s.

He said: "Dying is no big deal, even the least of us can manage it. Living is the trick and I think Bally managed to do that. Alan lived his life to the full and I would just like to say thanks for the memories and thanks for his contribution to our lives." The final speaker was Ball's son, Jimmy, who received a round of applause from the congregation. He said: "We have been very fortunate to have had a mother and father as great as ours." He then went on to recite the Rudyard Kipling poem "If" and said it typified his father's spirit. After the final line of the poem which reads "and you'll be a man, my son," Mr Ball said: "And he was a man, probably the best I ever met." The service concluded with Frank Sinatra's song "My Way". Among those in the cathedral was Alan's grief-stricken partner, Valerie Beech, aged 59, from Kearsley, who is divorced from ex- Wanderers player Harry Beech. She was the best friend of Ball's late wife and she and Ball struck up a relationship after seeking comfort in one another following Lesley's death.

As well as Alan Ball's World Cup winning team-mates, many other famous names from the world of football were among the mourners. They included England manager Steve McLaren, Sir Alex Ferguson, Lawrie McMenemy, Mick Channon, Matthew Le Tissier, Gordon Strachan, Kevin Keegan, Denis Law, Francis Lee, Mike Summerbee, Viv Anderson, Peter Shilton, Trevor Brooking and Arsenal and England prodigy Theo Walcott. Cathedral officials set up speakers outside so the service could be relayed to hundreds who gathered outside in the cathedral close. And it was as the coffin was carried out of the cathedral that the congregation broke into spontaneous applause, cheers and chanting. The applause quickly spread to those outside, many of whom were wearing football strips. A former Farnworth Grammar School pupil, Ball had trials with Bolton Wanderers as a teenager, before starting his career with Blackpool. He went on to win 72 caps for his country in a 10-year England career. He is the second member of the 1966 side to die, following the death of captain Bobby Moore in 1993.

Great Balls Of Fire | Twohundredpercent Great Balls Of Fire Posted by Ian | Apr 25, 2007 | Latest | 1 | This Saturday, the flags at several English football clubs will be flying at half-mast to mourn the passing of Alan Ball, at the age of just 61. Ball, the youngest member of the English 1966 World Cup winning team died from a heart attack last night, becoming the second member of that team to join the England squad in the sky (one of these days I’ll come up with a definitive squad of dead England players, but I don’t really think that now is the most appropriate time). His singular appearance, with a shock of red hair and a voice that always made him sound as if he’d just been strangled, made him something of a figure of ridicule during his years as a manager, but it was an unfair assessment even then. He will be sadly missed – a player that had a lengthy career both as a player and a manager. Watching the 1966 World Cup Final back earlier this evening, it’s difficult to understate the importance of Ball’s performance.

It’s certainly hard to believe that he had won his first cap just sixteen months previously. He won and took the corner that led to England’s second goal, and his run and pass set up Geoff Hurst’s second and England’s all important third goal. In extra-time, with more or less everybody on the pitch absolutely exhausted, Ball was, more often than not, the only player on the pitch that was still running. Had Hurst not scored three goals, he would have been a contender for the Man Of The Match award. He was back at the World Cup finals in 1970, hitting the crossbar in England’s ultimately costly 1-0 defeat at the hands of Brazil, and picked up a total of 72 caps for the national team. His club career spanned four English teams and almost twenty-one years. From Blackpool, he went to Everton in the immediate aftermath of the World Cup final, becoming Britain’s most expensive footballer (at a cost of £110,000) into the bargain.

Making up the so-called “Holy Trinity” in Everton’s midfield with Colin Harvey and Howard Kendal, he spearheaded a brief revival in their fortunes, reaching the 1968 FA Cup Final before helping to their surprise Championship win of 1970. He’d doubled in value by 1972, when he went to Arsenal, and spent the best years of his career at Highbury before leaving for Southampton in 1976. Promotion back to the top division followed, before a brief flurry of activity, first in the NASL for Vancouver Whitecaps, followed by a brief and unsuccessful spell as player-manager at Blackpool, and a surprise return to The Dell, to help Southampton briefly challenge Liverpool for the league championship. He finally ended his playing career in 1983, having played 975 senior matches. As a manager he had a mixed record. He took Portsmouth into the First Division for the first time in 30 years in 1987, but was unable to save Stoke City in the early 1990s.

Perhaps a surprising choice at Southampton, he took The Saints to a mid-table position that belied their pre-season billing as relegation favourites and (significantly, if you supported Southampton at the time, persuaded Matthew Le Tissier to sign a new contract when there were plenty of bigger clubs offering him alternative sources of employment). Much has been made of his brief but controversial time in charge of Manchester City in the mid-1990s. There was plenty of acrimony over his departure to Maine Road, and plenty of ridicule of his time there, but it’s probably fair to say that City were at the start of a tailspin that no-one could have predicted. He retired after being harshly sacked by Portsmouth in 1999, having saved them from relegation from Division One after all had seemed lost the year before. Off the pitch, his life was affected by occasional tragedy. He lost his father (also named Alan, and also once a professional footballer) in a car crash, and lost his wife to cancer at just 57 in 2004. In the same year, his daughter was also diagnosed with the disease, though she has survived him.

The loss of his wife reportedly hit him very hard, and one of the saddest aspects of this entire story is that he had very recently started to come to terms with his loss. With a ridiculously over-hyped match being played at Stamford Bridge tonight, it’s timely to remind some of the “superstars” on show that only eleven Englishmen have ever won a World Cup winner’s medal, and Alan Ball was one of the most deserving of the lot of them. Gerard, Rooney, Crouch and the rest of them should take a moment to consider that, the next time they’re pulling on an England shirt. Share: Alan Ball: Your Tribute - Telegraph Alan Ball: Your Tribute Hero: Ball was youngest member of World Cup winning side 10:22AM BST 26 Apr 2007 Send in your tributes to Alan Ball Alan Ball, who has died aged 61, was the youngest player in England’s 1966 World Cup winning team. He was just 21 when he helped lift the Jules Rimet Trophy and only 17 when he first played for Blackpool.

He made his England debut at 19, in a 1-1 draw with Yugosalvia in Belgrade in May 1965, and went on to make 72 international appearances. Ball played for 10 clubs in England, America, Canada and briefly China before finishing his days on the pitch with Bristol Rovers in 1984. In August 1966, Everton broke the British transfer record to sign him from Bloomfield Road for £110,000. He won his only major domestic honour at Goodison Park when the side lifted the 1969-70 League Championship. In December 1971, Arsenal broke the transfer record once again, paying Everton £220,000 for Ball, who was by then 26. He moved to Southampton for £60,000 in December 1976 and after a spell in the fledgling North American Soccer League, he returned home as player-manager of Blackpool before a second spell at the Dell. He managed Blackpool, Portsmouth (twice), Stoke, Exeter, Southampton and Manchester City, retiring after he was fired by Portsmouth in 1999.

He was then the last of the England World Cup-winning squad to be in football management. Ball is the second member of the 1966 side that beat West Germany 4-2 at Wembley to pass away. Captain Bobby Moore died of cancer in 1993. Fellow World Cup winner Sir Geoff Hurst said all the 1966 squad members were "totally devastated" by Ball’s death. Sir Bobby Charlton added: "He was probably the best player that day and if it had not been for his impact the result could have been totally different. He did not appear to have a nerve in his body, and he was an inspiration to us all." Alan Ball the England hero buried under flag of St George | London Evening Standard Alan Ball the England hero buried under flag of St George Thursday 3 May 2007 08:52 BST Legends from five decades of football were among those celebrating the life of England World Cup hero Alan Ball on Thursday. The 61-year-old member of the victorious 1966 squad died last week at his Hampshire home. He suffered a fatal heart attack while putting out a small fire which had broken out in a compost heap in his garden.

Scroll down for more Alan Ball's coffin draped in the flag of St George is carried into Winchester Cathedral Members of the victorious 1966 squad joined hundreds of well-wishers at Winchester Cathedral for his funeral. They included centre half Jack Charlton, midfielder Nobby Stiles, goalkeeper Gordon Banks, full-back George Cohen and striker Roger Hunt. Ball's coffin was led into the hushed cathedral draped in the St George's Cross England flag and with his trademark grey flat cap on top. Scroll down for more Former Arsenal star Bob Wilson and Ball's 1966 England team-mate Jack Charlton arrive at the service Other stars of UK football included England coach Steve McClaren, Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson and Arsenal prodigy Theo Walcott. Ball was the youngest member of the 1966 World Cup squad and Arsenal striker Walcott was the youngest member of the England 2006 World Cup squad when he got the call aged 17. Stiles was the first to pay tribute in the cathedral to his friend and former team-mate. Scroll down for more Arsenal starlet Theo Walcott walks into the cathedral He said: "My most abiding memory of Alan is in the World Cup final.

I think all the lads agree he was the best player on the pitch by far. "He covered every blade of grass, he was unbelievable." Leading the mourners was Ball's son Jimmy, 31, and daughters Mandy Byrne, 39, and Keely Allan, 35. Ball's wife Lesley died three years ago from cancer. Scroll down for more Wellwishers surround Winchester Cathedral for the funeral of Alan Ball Among the early arrivals were former co-players with Ball at Manchester City, Francis Lee and Mike Summerbee. Ball's best friend Mick Channon, with whom he played at Southampton, was also present. Lawrie McMenemy, who signed Ball for Southampton, and Denis Law, the former Manchester United striker, were among the mourners. Stiles added: "He adored Lesley, he was very proud of his family and he was very proud of his country." Scroll down for more Ex-Southampton manager Lawrie McMenemy, who signed Ball for the Saints, arrives The Reverend Canon Michael St John-Channell said in an address to the congregation that Ball would never be forgotten because of the famous victory over West Germany.

He said: "It was without exaggeration one of the finest days of this nation which all of us are proud, whether we were there or not, and Alan was very much of that great time. He will never ever be forgotten." He said that Ball was a great role model to people today. "It is a very different time to those days and to those people who have huge wealth and popularity in sports and other areas of life I would say that some of them would do well to learn from Alan's example of how to treat people and what is important in life and what is not important; family and friends come first.

"He tucked into his life many things we only dream of and the memories we have are precious, especially to those who have shared his life." World Cup hero: Alan Ball (centre) puts his arm round Sir Bobby Charlton as he lifts the 1966 World Cup aloft He added, recalling the commentary of the World Cup match: "Remember those famous words 'they think it's all over, it is now' but it is not for Alan, for him today is a new beginning." Frank McLintock, former Arsenal captain, said in a tribute to Ball: "Dying is no big deal, even the least of us can manage it, living is the trick and I think Bally managed to do that." And fighting back tears McLintock added: "Alan lived his life to the full and I would just like to say thanks for the memories and thanks for his contribution to our lives." Legend: Alan Ball Ball's son, Jimmy, was applauded as he went to make his tribute and tapped his father's coffin. He recited Kipling's famous poem "If" and said that it typified his father's spirit.

After the final line of the poem which reads "and you'll be a man, my son", Mr Ball said: "And he was a man, probably the best I ever met." Mr Ball thanked the general public for their messages of support and added: "I know I speak for my sisters when I say we have been very fortunate to have a mother and a father as great as ours." Mr Ball closed the service by asking everyone in the cathedral to sing along to "My Way" by Frank Sinatra. As the coffin was carried down the aisle the congregation broke out in applause, whistles, cheers and chants of "Alan Ball, Alan Ball" More about:

Question: Who, dying aged 61, in 2007, was the youngest member of the 1966 World Cup Squad?
Answer: ALAN BALL